Avoiding Absolute

Words and I think that

Absolute Words

Are all inclusive

Claim there are no exceptions
Challenges the reader to find the
exceptionswhich then weakens
your point and raises doubt.
Weaken credibility

What words are absolute?

all

each
every
none

no one
nobody
never

everyone
always

everybody

Revise these sentencesuse less

sweeping words

All studies show that video games

increase visual ability and motor
development.
No one has proven that violent video
games can directly cause violent
behavior in children.
The media always exaggerates the
truth about video games and violence.

What are some less sweeping

words you could use?
many
most
few

usually

some
much

often
generally

Ways to Avoid I think that

It could be
suggested,
claimed,
proposed that

Ways to avoid
I think that
Smith supports
the idea,
notion,belief
that

The facts suggest,

indicate,
show that

Other Tips:
Proponents, advocates, supporters
use these words when referring to
people who are on your side.
Opponents and criticsuse these
words when referring to people who
disagree with your side

Revise these I think sentences.

I, along with many others, believe

that censorship in schools infringes
upon our First Amendment rights.

Other people, like Bradley Stephens

and Alex Smith, think that when
sensitive information is censored,
students are protected.

As you continue to draft

First start todays drafting by

rereading what youve written.
Check for absolute wordswhen you
locate themrevise use less
sweeping words.
Also revise I think that statements.